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PROJECT

tree, overlooking a man-made dam and adjacent Baobab tree. get materials to the correct places before access was shut off due
The architects planned the entire layout of the lodge so that when to construction.
walking down its central staircase, it lines up directly with the Baobab. Logistics were also very challenging as construction vehicles were
Bush and grass areas around the dam were overseeded with limited to smaller sizes due to the site being a protected wilderness
a selection of palatable grass species specified by author Frits Van area, and with other lodges operating in the same reserve.
Oudtshoorn in his book A Guide to Grasses of Southern Africa. He Only the rooftop gardens have irrigation installed; grey water
assisted as a consultant on grasses at Melote House. systems are in use and are monitored weekly, discharging water into
Stormwater from the hill flows into the dam. the surrounding bush by means of sprinklers.

Site challenges Information supplied by Gordon Kershaw and Nuleaf Planning and
Access to the site was a major challenge as there were only two Environmental.
routes in and out, with very little room to manoeuvre when Photos by Gordon Kershaw, Nuleaf Planning & Environmental and
working on such a steep slope. Forward planning was required to Jacobus Uys of Black Sable Designs.

A large in-situ boulder was used to highlight this cheetah sculpture within the The lodge signage and entrance garden, with existing large trees retained on
landscape site to create an established landscaped look and feel

Re-use of materials removed during excavation at the cliff top pool Newly established rooftop garden creating a seamless extension to the natural
environment, as well as a micro-ecosystem for smaller creatures

Existing trees were accommodated into the decking design Example of existing vegetation not cleared during construction, assisting to
frame the building’s thresholds n

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